So many things! :)

It's been an INTENSE last couple of weeks. We are getting into the swing of things. Learning how to get up before the sun to exercise, diving into ministry and outreach, and of course going to class.

This weeks topic was "forgiveness and redemption." Leading up to the week, I've felt an undeniable stirring in my spirit. The staff told us this would be a monumental week. And my spirit was definitely I'm agreement. Class after class my heart was pounding. I could feel Jesus bringing out of darkness issue after issue that would be dealt with on ministry day. And that's the thing about this week for me. I feel like the main thing God has been dealing with me about has been one thing: giftings.

Intercession. Prophecy. Counseling. Teaching. I have been on a crash course practicing and learning about each of these things The Lord has placed inside me. God will give me verses to pray. He will guide me to people who He wants me to intercede for. He has been bringing people into my life who need someone to talk to. He gives me wisdom to share with them. He gives me insight into the spiritual things going on, I've even been "accidentally" painting actual dreams my friends had the night before when I'm painting just for fun. I'm able to give it to them as an encouragement.

It's not been without its struggles. It's sometimes tiring to stand in the gap. But I feel like this is an area where I simply need to trust God more. Relax. Rest. And just follow His lead.

This was also the first week I've been able to participate in ministry. I am part of what we call "youth night." It's a small gathering of local teenagers who are student leaders in their community. I shared on "God healing our broken hearts." The response was beautiful. We prayed with the children afterwards as one by one they shared with us their broken hearts. We all cried together and hugged. Then had a massive dance party afterwards since our hearts were feeling a bit lighter. :)

Something else has even going on with me in regards to my calling. Each week we have a workshop where we learn more about human trafficking. The stories are startling and disturbing. I intend to share a little more about them soon. But for me personally, I feel like my heart "woke up." I heard God say very clearly "this is your calling." Immediately afterwards, our speaker said "if God is calling you to this, He will open doors." This was incredible to me. After hearing all the statistics, all the horrific things that go on, it felt so daunting. Like an impossible task. But not for me. Because God has called me, and "He will open doors."

So that's a glimpse into my week. I miss you all States-side so much and I live hearing from you. Pray for our team when you remember us. I know many of you do everyday. We will be going to India for outreach (YAY!) and then finishing up our DTS in Chang Mai (northern Thailand). Exciting things lay ahead!

Until next time :)

Sawadee Kha!

Sawadee Kha! (Translation: Hello!)

It's been exactly one week since I set sail (or took flight?) on my journey halfway across the world. I am safe and sound in Bangkok, Thailand, and I must say - I LOVE IT HERE.

Of course the first week has not been without it's challenges. But we will get there in a second.

        Thailand is incredibly beautiful.

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I arrived. It's always hard when you're traveling. What will it be like? Look like? Smell like? (You should know Thailand is known as "The land of smiles" but it could also be easily called "The land of smells."). I was prepared to rough it, but I was pleasantly surprised. We are in a very clean and safe neighborhood (No doubt one of the nicer areas in Bangkok). Our house is quite comfortable. The girls dorms are located upstairs above the ARK (At Risk Kids) office. Our classroom is just a short walk away. We participate in classes everyday (with the exception of weekends). We have daily chores and "jobs" (mine is coming up with craft ideas for the kids. Surprised? :). On the weekends we will start our ministries with the children. Some will serve as mentors for a small group of teenagers on Friday nights and some will participate in Rugby program for children at risk Saturday mornings. I am definitely enjoying the routine (but not looking forward to starting exercises next week at 6:00 AM - What??)

A glimpse of our town. On the left is the outside of our house at lunch time, on the right is the outside of our school, and below is the street right outside of our school.

I have fifteen housemates (yes, you read it correctly) of all different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. The thought of living with so many others was overwhelming at first, but then you begin to get to know each person. Hear their stories. Spend time with them. Laugh with them. Already, I find that I am so grateful to have met them. They bless my life. I love to hear their stories and their struggles. And to share my own. There are between 20 and 25 of us in total (I haven't done a good headcount yet), and we have students and leaders from South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand (of course), Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Northern Ireland, Canada, Finland, Brazil, Costa Rica, and all over the United States.

 

                                      A few pics of our lovely house :)

The cultural differences between the United States and Thailand are obvious (and were a bit overwhelming at first). I am still learning to greet others by bowing. Showing respect and honor to one another is of the utmost importance in Thai culture. They go through great lengths toshow respect to one another. I feel like I have much to learn from the Thai people in this regard.
This week we've been learning about four main values that Thais hold dear: their elders, their religion (Buddhism), their country, and their king. Youthfulness is not as valued in the Thai culture as it is the West. While youth and the idea of "being young" is almost worshiped in the West, it is the oppossite here, and shows up in many of their social interactions. For example, it is polite for younger people to crouch down when passing by an older person as a sign of respect. Relics of religion are also seen everywhere in Thailand. Outside of most Thai houses and businesses there are small "shrines" that serve as houses for the spirit that protects the home or the business. The Thais love for their king is also quite obvious. The first thing you see when exiting the airport is a huge monument meant to honor the king. Similar monuments are found all around Bangkok neighborhoods. Apart from these basic values, tere are some other interesting cultural do's and don'ts. For example, it is rude to "point" at another person with your feet because the foot is the lowest part of the body. To be polite, you have to avoid moving anything around with your foot or stepping oversomeone. It would show disrespect. It seems bizarre, maybe. There are many other cultural "taboos" I am still picking up. I feel like I am learning so much already.

There are some excellent street vendors that sell around our neighborhood. One is the endearingly known as "the chicken lady." She is fantastic. She had provided us with chicken and sticky rice for many-a-lunch. :)

On the flipside, if you're not in the mood for chicken. You can always snack on some fried bugs. I hear it tastes like chicken. ;)

As I mentioned earlier, I have most definitely have faced some challenges this week. Besides learning how to get around in Bangkok (such as trying to tell a taxi driver the way to "Bangna Villa Soi Ploy 3" without knowing any Thai), I have personally struggled with my old issues of anxiety. I am thankful to say that there was only one serious episode, and apart from that I have truly been content, excited about my adventure, and at peace. I suppose when you are far away from home across the world, anxiety is inevitable. Learning soooooo many new things. Meeting new people. Building relationships. Adjusting to a new climate, culture, and living situation. Although all these things are good, there is stress involved. I have been proclaiming God's healing as well as my authority in this land. I choose not to be discouraged. I am still walking through this issue, and I would love to have your support in prayer on this issue from the folks back home as well :).

I believe I do have a destiny here. Something God wants to show me. I am excited to see what God will speak to my heart here. I feel such a peace now that this is where I belong in this season of my life. Please continue to pray for me as I continue to learn and adapt. It's hot here. :)

I hope to hear from you all back in the States! Blessings, blessings, BLESSINGS!

~Hannah

Butterfly in the sky, I can fly twice as high

Travel day 1 - Lets do this.

I stayed up entire night last night before my trip, partly because of nerves and partly because of sheer excitement. The plane I am in is the size of a continent, and I think it has it's own timezone. I've never been a plane for more than 6 hours at a time, so a 15 hour plus another 6 hour flight is blowing my mind a little bit. I was pleasantly surprised to find that The King and I was an in-flight movie option to watch, so I've been sleeping/watching it for a while now. Did you know Thailand used to be Siam? And the movie takes place in Bangkok? I feel a bit like Anna right now. I just hope I have the opportunity to sing an inspiring rendition of "Getting to Know You" with a group of Thais sometime during my own adventure in Bangkok.

In other news, I'm glad to report that I seemed to have successfully navigated the four of the five classic stages of grief and have moved onto the "acceptance" stage (Psych nerd. Don't knock it). Of course, I'm anticipating feeling homesick sooner or later. 

I have to admit that the anticipatory portion of this trip has been the most difficult so far. Besides the stress of getting ready, the packing (and repacking and repacking and repacking), it has been an uphill battle to stay encouraged and keep things in perspective. It's hard to leave a life you are content with. When you have friends and family you love so dearly and feel so secure with, the sacrifice of leaving sometimes seems all too costly.

But I simply cannot let go of this dream.

For me, it's not been a dream of acheivement or personal gain or even the hope of adventure (although I would definitely be okay with that). No, my dream, is a simple. You might even call it a "vision." It's a spiritual encounter I had all of seven years ago. I saw a young woman and a child who looked at me with eyes filled with pain it made my heart ache. I saw a vision of their village. They had absolutely nothing, and they were alone. The look in their eyes shook me to the core of my heart and soul. It was a desperate plea. They seemed to desperately need my help and my protection.

 I was so grieved by the experience of the vision.  How could I refuse them? How could I turn away?

And so I am searching for those who God called me to so long a go. The ones that asked for me. They are in dire need of care, compassion, and protection. I am coming. I am on my way. The orphan. The widow. The one that stands on such thin treacherous line between danger and salvation. During this trip, I pray that my heart will be stretched wide enough to embrace a whole nation of people, and that I will always stand as a protector and an intercessors to those who are in need.

The plane keeps roaring on over the sea, but I am at peace. I await with an open heart for Jesus to fill with love and power to protect the ones in need.